'Christmas Miracles' is a musical hit

The much-anticipated "Christmas Miracles," the traditional La Junta Christmas play, written and directed by Lindy Nelson and produced by a large group of Picketwire regulars, hit the stage on Thursday night for the entertainment of a large audience.

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By Bette McFarren

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By Bette McFarren

Posted Dec. 13, 2013 at 3:00 PM

By Bette McFarren
Posted Dec. 13, 2013 at 3:00 PM

The much-anticipated "Christmas Miracles," the traditional La Junta Christmas play, written and directed by Lindy Nelson and produced by a large group of Picketwire regulars, hit the stage on Thursday night for the entertainment of a large audience. Some of the players were from the neighboring towns of Fowler, Las Animas, Cheraw and Rocky Ford, but the core of the players is from La Junta. The handbell choirs opened the production, with Incredi-Bells from United Methodist Church and Gloria Bells from Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The strength of the play is the music, from the introductory bells and chorus to the last dance routine. Mary Belew and Barbara Hjelmstad on piano and Liz Daughtrey on violin kept the Christmas music going throughout the play, truly a holiday treat for cold winter ears. The choreography, done by Susie Sarlo, was masterfully done, with steps well within the abilities of the performers, done with precision and excellent timing. The children, Nariah Smith, Alexia Nunez-Rebel, Braeden Harris, Hailee Ham-Flores, Julie Graham Kieran Harris, Grace Gardner, Jentry Matthew, Bethany Taullie, Jami Wallace, Jill Wallace, were in tune and in step, reminding one of the children in "Sound of Music." Grant Elliott was delightful as head cowboy Dave and one-eyed Santa for the children. The plot line was in line with the two previous plays, where people tried to figure out who had good and/or bad intentions. This one has a little love, too, as it appeared Edith's long-lost fiance, the sheriff, played by Cory Higgs, would be the romantic interest, but maybe it was someone who was close by all along. It was a tale of friendships renewed and a happy time at Christmas, despite Dave's suspicions of the sheriff as a would-be gold-digger. Melody Bryant was outstanding as Edith, with a clear voice in speaking as well as in singing. This was an ensemble who knew how to project their voices. The chorus performed beautifully, with full choir sound on songs, some familiar and some probably new to the audience. The clever opening between Tracey Salzbrenner and Brenda Erwin set the scene as a rehearsal of the Picketwire Players for a Christmas Concert, which, sure enough, ended the play also. Two more performances are scheduled: When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Picketwire Theater, San Juan Ave. at Eighth Street, La Junta For reservations: Call 384-8320 (24/7 answering machine; box office 5:30-7 p.m.)